Electronic Actuator for Anhydrous Ammonia Emergency Shut Off Valves

ABSTRACT

In various implementations, an electronic actuator may be coupled to a valve to provide the ability to shut off anhydrous ammonia flow through the valve (e.g., in emergencies). The valve may be coupled to anhydrous ammonia tanks, such as nurse tanks and/or storage tanks. The electronic actuator may include a handle and a bracket. The handle and the bracket may include at least two attractive components that are magnetically attracted to each other upon application of an electric current and the valve may be open. When the electric current is cut, the attractive components of the handle and the bracket may not be magnetically attracted to each other and the valve may be shut off. A controller (e.g., a switch) may be coupled to the electronic actuator to allow control of the electric signal to the electronic actuator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 62/695,594, filed on Jul. 9, 2018 and entitled “ElectronicActuator for Anhydrous Ammonia Emergency Shut Off Valves”, which isincorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electronic actuator for valves inanhydrous ammonia emergency shut off valves.

BACKGROUND

Anhydrous ammonia storage and transport are dangerous due to thetoxicity of ammonia gas and the explosion risks of anhydrous ammonia.However, anhydrous ammonia is widely used as a nitrogen fertilizer. Evenduring regular operations, such the transfer of anhydrous ammonia fromstorage tanks to nurse tanks and the application of anhydrous ammonia tofields, there is a risk of injury to operators due to contact andinhalation. Additionally, anhydrous ammonia use in enclosed spaces(e.g., refrigerant applications), can cause fire and/or explosions.Thus, balancing safe storage and transport with expense and practicalityis a common struggle.

Currently, anhydrous ammonia storage tanks include valves that can bemanually actuated to shut off a valve in an emergency and excess flowvalves. However, manual valves are difficult to reach emergencyscenarios (e.g., operators may become quickly overcome by noxious gasesduring a leak) and/or may require an uninjured participant to manuallyactuate the valve. Excess flow valves are often not activated, and thusdo not provide a fail safe in long pipe runs and are sensitive to valvesizing (e.g., over and under sizing valves can cause performancefailures).

SUMMARY

In various implementations, an electronic actuator may be coupled to avalve to provide an emergency shut off valve assembly. A switch, whichmay be remote to the valve, may trigger the emergency shut off and causethe valve to close. Thus, a remote worker (e.g., in the field or not inthe field) can close valve(s) in an emergency, during maintenance,and/or for any other appropriate purpose. Use of the electronic actuator(e.g., electromagnetic) may increase safety during use, storage, and/ortransport of anhydrous ammonia.

In various implementations, an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank valveassembly may include an anhydrous ammonia valve, an electronic actuator,and a switch to operate the electronic actuator. The anhydrous ammoniavalve may include comprises at least one open position and a closedposition. The closed position may inhibit flow of the anhydrous ammoniathrough the valve. The valve may include a spring (e.g., a springactuated valve). The electronic actuator may be coupled to the valve(e.g., an anhydrous ammonia valve), and may be capable adjusting theposition of the valve.

In various implementations, an electronic actuator may include abracket, a handle, and one or more locking members. The bracket may becoupleable to the valve (e.g., via a fasteners). The bracket may includean attractive member, such as an electromagnet. The electromagnet may becoupled to an electrical source. The electromagnet may extend in a firstdirection away from a body of the bracket. The bracket may include afirst flange extending away from the body of the bracket such that thefirst flange and the electromagnet are not disposed on the same side ofthe bracket. The first flange may include a first opening capable ofreceiving at least a portion of a first lock. Disposing the first lockat least partially in the first opening may not inhibit movement of thehandle (e.g., the first opening may act as a resting position for thelock). The handle may include a connection portion and a stem. Theconnection portion may be pivotably coupleable to the valve. The handlemay be rotatable from a first position in which the valve is disposed inone of the open positions to a second position in which the valve isdisposed in the closed position. A spring of the valve may be extendedwhen the handle opens the valve (e.g., a normal closed valve with aspring). The stem may extend from the connection portion of the handle.The stem may include a first end proximate the connection portion, asecond opposing end, a first side proximate the bracket; a secondopposing side, and a third side disposed between the first side and thesecond side. The handle may include an attractive component (e.g., amagnet) extending from the second side of the body of the handle. Theattractive component (e.g., magnet) may be disposed on the stem betweenthe second end of the stem and the connection portion. The attractivecomponent may couple with the electromagnet in the bracket to inhibitclosure of the valve, when the electromagnet is magnetic (e.g., whenpower is supplied to the electromagnet). The handle may include lockingmechanism. The handle may include a second flange extending from thethird side and disposed between the connection portion of the handle andthe second end of the stem. The second flange may have a length suchthat when the handle is disposed in the first position, at least aportion of the second flange extends beyond the body of the bracket. Thesecond flange may include a locking member that includes a secondopening disposed through the second flange. The second opening mayreceive at least a portion of the first lock. The second opening of thesecond flange may configured (e.g., oriented, sized, etc.) such thatdisposing a first lock at least partially in the second opening allowsthe first lock to contact the bracket and thus inhibit the handle frommoving to the first position. By inhibiting the handle from moving tothe first position from a second position, the valve may be locked(e.g., to inhibit theft and/or leaks). The electronic actuator mayinclude another a locking member. The locking member may be coupled tothe bracket. The locking member may include a spring loaded latch thatmay receive at least a portion of the handle. The spring loaded latchmay be capable of releasing the handle to allow the handle to move tothe first position (e.g., when a force, such as a force directly exertedon the latch and/or a force exerted on the handle and transferred inpart to the latch, is exerted on the latch that exceeds the forceapplied to the latch by the spring of the latch). When the attractivecomponent of the handle and the electromagnet of the bracket arecoupled, the valve may be disposed in the open position. When power isremoved from the electromagnet, the spring of the valve may rotate thehandle to the second position and close the valve. The spring loadedlatch may move to receive the handle when the spring of the valverotates the handle to the second position due to the release of theattractive member of the handle by the electromagnet and/or by force ofthe spring of the spring load latch receive and inhibit movement of thehandle.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Theattractive component may include at least one ferromagnetic material.The electronic actuator may be coupled to the valve of an anhydrousammonia nurse tank. The valve may comprise an excess flow valve. Theelectronic actuator may be coupled to the valve of an anhydrous ammoniastorage tank. The electronic actuator may include a switch coupled tothe electromagnet. The switch may include on and off positions. The onposition may allow power to be provided from the electrical source tothe electromagnet to allow the electromagnet to be magnetic. The offposition may inhibit power from the electrical source to be provided tothe electromagnet and allows the electromagnet to be non-magnetic. Thehandle of the electronic actuator may include a gripper extending fromthe stem of the handle. The stem may be configured to receive thegripper on the first side or the second side of the stem, in someimplementations.

In various implementations, an electronic actuator may be coupled to ananhydrous ammonia valve to shut off flow to the valve and/or inhibitinadvertent closure of the valve. The electronic actuator may include abracket, a handle, and one or more locking mechanisms. The bracket maybe coupled to the valve. The bracket may include first attractive memberextending in a first direction away from a body of the bracket. Thehandle may include a connection portion pivotably coupleable to thevalve. The handle may be rotatable from a first position in which thevalve is disposed in one of the open positions to a second position inwhich the valve is disposed in the closed position. A spring of thevalve may be extended when the handle opens the valve. The handle mayinclude a stem extending from the connection portion of the handle. Thestem may include a first end proximate the connection portion of thehandle, a second opposing end, a first side proximate the bracket, asecond opposing side, and a third side disposed between the first sideand the second side. The handle may include a second attractivecomponent extending from the second side of the stem of the handle. Thesecond attractive component may be disposed between the first end andthe second end of the stem. The handle may include a first flangeextending from the third side and disposed between the first end and thesecond end of the stem. The first flange may have a length such thatwhen the handle is disposed in the first position, the first flange atleast partially extends beyond the body of the bracket. The first flangemay include a first opening disposed through the first flange. The firstopening may receive the at least a portion of a first lock. The firstopening of the first flange of the bracket may be configured such thatdisposing a first lock at least partially in the first opening allowsthe first lock to contact the bracket and inhibit the handle from movingto the first position. Thus, the valve may be locked (e.g., to inhibitleaks and/or theft). The first attractive component and/or the secondattractive component may include an electromagnet. The electromagnet maybe coupled to an electrical source such that the electromagnet ismagnetic when power is delivered from the electrical source to theelectromagnet. When power is provided to the electromagnet, the secondattractive component of the handle and the first attractive of thebracket are coupled and the valve is disposed in the open position. Whenthe second attractive component couples with the first attractivecomponent of the bracket closure of the valve may be inhibited. Whenpower is removed from the electromagnet, the second attractive componentof the handle and the first attractive component of the bracket may beuncoupled, and a spring of the valve may rotate the handle to the secondposition and close the valve.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Theelectronic actuator may include an additional flange extending away fromthe body of the bracket such that the additional flange and the firstattractive component are not disposed on the same side of the bracket.The additional flange may include a second opening capable of receivingat least a portion of the first lock. Disposing the first lock at leastpartially in the second opening may not inhibit movement of the handle.The electronic actuator may include a gripper extending from the stem ofthe handle. The gripper may be coupled to the first side or the secondside of the stem. The electronic actuator may include a switch coupledto the electromagnet. The switch may include on and off positions. Thean on position may allow power to be provided from the electrical sourceto the electromagnet to allow the electromagnet to be magnetic. The offposition may inhibit power from the electrical source to be provided tothe electromagnet and may allow the electromagnet to be non-magnetic.The switch may be remote to the valve and electronic actuator. The valvemay be closed prior to the handle fully rotating to the second positionfrom the first position. The first attractive component and/or secondattractive components may include ferromagnetic material. The electronicactuator may include a locking member coupled to the bracket. Thelocking member may include a spring loaded latch may inhibit release ofa handle received by the spring loaded latch. The spring loaded latchmay releasing the handle to allow the handle to move to the firstposition. The spring loaded latch may move to receive the handle whenthe spring of the valve moves the handle to the second position due tothe release of the attractive member of the handle by the electromagnet.The force of the spring of the spring load latch may cause the latch toreceive (e.g., in a recess of the latch) and inhibit (e.g., via theforce of the spring of the latch retaining the latch in the position)movement of the handle. The electronic actuator may be coupled to thevalve of an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank.

In various implementations, operations of a nurse tank may includeopening and/or closing the valve to allow and/or inhibit release ofanhydrous ammonia. Operating a nurse tank valve may include removingpower from an electromagnet of an electronic actuator such that theelectromagnet and the attractive member are uncoupled. The electronicactuator may include a bracket and a handle. The bracket may be coupledto the valve and/or may include an electromagnet extending in a firstdirection away from a body of the bracket. The handle may include aconnection portion pivotably coupleable to the valve. The handle mayrotate from a first position in which the valve is disposed in one ofthe open positions to a second position in which the valve is disposedin the closed position. A spring of the valve may be extended when thehandle opens the valve. The handle may include a stem extending from theconnection portion of the handle. The stem may include a first endproximate the connection portion of the handle, a second opposing end, afirst side proximate the bracket, a second opposing side, and a thirdside disposed between the first side and the second side. The handle mayinclude an attractive component extending from the second side of thestem of the handle. The attractive component may be disposed between thefirst end and the second end of the stem. The handle of the electronicactuator may be allowed to rotate from the first position to the secondposition once the electromagnet and the attractive component areuncoupled. Uncoupling the electromagnet and the attractive component mayremove the force extending the spring of the valve and may cause thespring of the valve rotate the handle by acting on a connection memberof the valve that is coupled to the handle. The valve assembly may belocked by disposing a lock at least partially in a first openingdisposed through a first flange of the electronic actuator. The firstflange may extend from a third side of the stem and may be disposedbetween the first end and the second end of the stem. The first flangemay have a length such that when the handle is disposed in the firstposition, the first flange at least partially extends beyond the body ofthe bracket. Disposing a first lock at least partially in the firstopening may allow the first lock to contact the bracket and may inhibitthe handle from moving to the first position.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features.Allowing the handle of the electronic actuator to rotate from the firstposition to the second position may include allowing a latch of a springloaded locking member to rotate in a first direction to allow the handleto move to the second position. A force exerted by the spring of thevalve may move the handle to contact the latch and cause the rotation inthe first direction. The latch may be automatically rotated in a secondopposing direction once the handle is in the first position via a springof the spring load locking member. The latch may receive the handle andinhibit movement of the handle from the second position. In someimplementations the valve may be opened by: releasing a handle of anelectronic actuator from a spring loaded locking member by rotating thelocking member, wherein the electronic actuator is coupled to a valve ofan anhydrous ammonia nurse tank; rotating the handle of the electronicactuator to first position from a second position, wherein when thehandle is in the first position the valve is open, and wherein the valveis closed when the handle is in the second position; and providing powerto an electromagnet of the electronic actuator such that theelectromagnet couples with the attractive member of the electronicactuator. Coupling the electromagnet and the attractive member of theelectronic actuator may inhibit rotation of the handle and closure ofthe valve. In some implementations, a first lock may be disposed in aresting position in the electronic actuator. The electronic actuator mayinclude an additional flange extending away from the body of the bracketsuch that the additional flange and the first attractive component arenot disposed on the same side of the bracket. The additional flange mayinclude second opening capable of receiving at least a portion of thefirst lock. Disposing the first lock at least partially in the secondopening of the additional flange of the bracket may not inhibit movementof the handle.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the implementations will be apparent from thedescription and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features,reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an implementation of an example valveassembly in an open position.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an implementation of the examplevalve assembly of FIG. 1 in a closed position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an implementation of an exampleelectromagnetic actuator.

FIG. 4A illustrates a first perspective view of an implementation of anexample bracket for an electromagnetic actuator.

FIG. 4B illustrates a second perspective view of an implementation ofthe example bracket for the electromagnetic actuator.

FIG. 4C illustrates a first perspective view of an implementation of anexample handle for an electromagnetic actuator.

FIG. 4D illustrates a second perspective view of an implementation ofthe example handle for the electromagnetic actuator.

FIG. 5 illustrates an implementation of an example portion of a valveassembly system.

FIG. 6A illustrates an implementation of an example of a locked valveassembly.

FIG. 6B illustrates a partial cutaway view of an implementation of theexample closed valve assembly illustrated in. FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 illustrates a first view of an implementation of an example valveassembly in an open position with a first locking member.

FIG. 8 illustrates a first view of an implementation of an example valveassembly in an open position.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of an implementation of the examplevalve assembly of FIG. 8 in a closed position.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an implementation of anexample electromagnetic actuator.

FIG. 11A illustrates a first perspective view of an implementation of anexample handle for an electromagnetic actuator.

FIG. 11B illustrates a first perspective view of an implementation of anexample portion of the electromagnetic actuator that includes a bracketand a second locking member.

FIG. 12 illustrates an implementation of an example of a locked valveassembly.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of an implementation of an examplevalve assembly in an open position.

FIG. 14A illustrates a perspective view of an implementation of abracket of an example an electronic actuator.

FIG. 14B illustrates a front view of the implementation of the examplebracket illustrated in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14C illustrates a side view of the implementation of the examplebracket illustrated in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14D illustrates a back view of the implementation of the examplebracket illustrated in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14E illustrates a second side view of the implementation of theexample bracket illustrated in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15A illustrates a perspective view of the implementation of ahandle of an example electronic actuator.

FIG. 15B illustrates a bottom view of the implementation of the examplehandle illustrated in FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15C illustrates a first side view of the implementation of theexample handle illustrated in FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15D illustrates a second side view of the implementation of theexample handle illustrated in FIG. 15A.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Anhydrous ammonia has wide industrial and agricultural use; however,there is a high risk of operator injury due to contact and/or inhalationwith anhydrous ammonia from use, due to leaks, and/or mishandling.Anhydrous ammonia can cause respiratory issues, burns, and has explosivepotential. Often, when anhydrous ammonia leaks from nurse tanks,operators are quickly overcome as the leaking anhydrous ammonia quicklyvaporizes and overtakes the atmosphere proximate the leak. Operators mayhave respiratory issues, become incapacitated, and/or have trouble reachthe nurse tank to control the leak. Leaks also potentially can damageagricultural crops (e.g., in over application due to leaks). Thus, anelectronic actuator capable of for use with anhydrous ammonia valves,that inhibits leaks during transport, when the nurse tank is not in use,and/or that allows remote emergency shut off may inhibit injury tooperators, inhibit damage to the environment, and/or reduce costs (e.g.,due to leaked resources, damaged agriculture, and/or liability).

Due to the chemical and physical properties of anhydrous ammonia,specialty valves are utilized when storing, transporting, andcontrolling fluid flow of anhydrous ammonia. The valves may be safetyvalves that control flow (e.g., operational flow and/or excess flow)and/or provide emergency shut off. In some implementations, excess flowvalves may be used, but due to the nature of anhydrous ammoniatransportation and/or application may not inhibit leaks (e.g., theamount of anhydrous ammonia being released may not be sufficient toclose the excess flow valve; however, the amount may be great enough tocause injure individuals and/or damage agriculture). Thus, the describedactuator may be utilized with excess flow valves and/or other types ofcontrol valves.

An anhydrous ammonia valve may be coupled to a tank, which is at leastpartially filled with anhydrous ammonia. For example, the tank mayinclude storage tanks, nurse tanks, and/or any other appropriate type oftank. The valve may connect the tank(s) (e.g., directly and/orindirectly via a coupler) to one or more hoses. The hose may allow fluidto flow from the tank via the valve to application devices (e.g.,toolbars, applicators, etc. to fertilize a field) and/or to another tank(e.g., from a storage tank to a nurse tank or vice versa; on a truck;etc.).

The anhydrous ammonia valve may include an electronic actuator that iscapable of adjusting the position (e.g., open and/or closed) of thevalve. For example, the anhydrous ammonia valve may provide an emergencyshut off of the fluid flow through the valve. Thus, if leakage isidentified, a hose becomes disconnected, equipment is damaged thatcauses leakage, and/or if injury to an individual occurs, the valve maybe shut down via a switch of the electronic actuator.

In various implementations, the electronic actuator may include one ormore locking members. The locking members may inhibit inadvertent and/orunauthorized opening of a valve. For example, transportation of nursingtanks on fields may be bumpy (e.g., as opposed to transporting tanks onpaved roads) and the bumps may jostle or otherwise alter the position ofa handle to open or slightly open the valve and cause leaks. This scaleof leak may not cause an excess flow valve to automatically close thevalve and inhibit leakage. However, a locking member may inhibit ahandle from moving to an open position and thus inhibit the valve fromopening during transport of a tank (e.g., a nursing tank). In addition,locking member(s) may inhibit theft. Concerns about theft are importantnot just due to the economic loss caused by stolen compounds, but alsodue to damage to fields and individuals from leaking (e.g., due todamage due to theft and/or failure to close valves after theft),environmental hazards caused by leaking anhydrous ammonia in an areathat may cause proximate water source contamination, and/or damage tofields and individuals during the theft itself. Contact and inhalationof anhydrous ammonia and compounds from degrading anhydrous ammonia caninjure operators and others in the vicinity of a leak (e.g., since theanhydrous ammonia may quickly vaporize and cause a localizedconcentration that suffocates and/or otherwise causes respiratorydistress or damage). Thus, inhibiting leakage and/or theft via theelectronic actuator may increase user satisfaction, increase compliancewith regulations (e.g., clean water, soil, etc.), reduce expenses,increase agricultural yields (e.g., due to inhibiting damage caused byleaks), and inhibit injury to individuals.

In various implementations, a valve may have at least one open positionand a closed position. Valves for use with anhydrous ammonia arecommonly and commercially available (see e.g., valves available fromSquibb Taylor (Dallas, Tex.)). For example, a valve may allow multipleopen positions to adjust the amount of fluid allowed to flow through thevalve. The valve may be a normally closed valve with a spring (e.g.,such that the spring may pull and/or maintain a valve in a closedposition unless a force is acting upon the spring). An electronicactuator may be coupled to the valve to control the position in which avalve is disposed. The electronic actuator may allow emergency shut offof the fluid flow from the valve, in some implementations.

FIG. 1 illustrates an implementation of an example valve assembly 1,which includes a valve 10 and an electronic actuator 20, in an openposition and FIG. 2 illustrates the example valve assembly 1 in a closedposition. FIG. 3 illustrates an implementation of an example electronicactuator 20. As illustrated, the valve assembly includes a valve 10 andan electromagnetic actuator 20. The valve 10 may have a first end 11that may be coupled to and/or disposed at least partially in a tank(e.g., nurse tank) and a second end 12 coupled to the actuator 20. Whenthe valve 10 is open, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a gap 15 may residebetween the first part 13 of the valve disk and the second part 14 ofthe valve disk to allow fluid to flow through the gap. When the valve 10is closed, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the first part 13 of the valve diskmay contact the second part 14 of the valve disk to inhibit fluidpassage through the valve. The valve 10 may include a spring (not shown)that closes and/or maintains the valve in a closed position unless aforce acts on the valve and/or spring to open the valve, in someimplementations.

A second end 12 of the valve 10 may be coupled to one or more hose(s)(e.g., indirectly or directly) and/or the electronic actuator 20. Thevalve may include an opening in line with the opening to the tank and/orat an angle. The valve may include multiple openings at multiple angles(e.g., 180, 90, 270, 70, etc.) can be coupled to hoses and/or capped, insome implementations. For example, one or more hoses may be coupled tothe valve to transport fluids from the tank to another tank and/or tofield applicators. The valve may include a member 13 extending throughthe valve 10 and the electronic actuator 20 may adjust the position ofthe valve via the member 13. For example, the member 13 may rotate toadjust the position of the valve from closed (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 2) and an open position (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 1). Asillustrated, rotation of the member 13 in direction 2 closes the valveand rotation of the member 13 in direction 3 opens the valve.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the electronic actuator 20 may be coupledto the valve 10 and may be capable of adjusting the position of thevalve. The electronic actuator 20 may include a bracket 30 and a handle50. FIG. 3 illustrates an implementation of an example actuator. FIGS.4A and 4B illustrate front and back views, respectively of an examplebracket. The bracket 30 may include a body 31 with a first side 32 and asecond opposing side 33. The bracket 30 may include an opening (asillustrated in FIG. 4B) such that member 13 of the valve may extendthrough the bracket. The opening may be larger than the member 13 suchthat a rotation of member 13 may not cause a rotation of bracket 13. Thebracket 13 may include openings capable of receiving one or morefasteners 34. Fastener(s) 34 may couple the bracket to the valve 10.

The bracket may include an attractive component, such as anelectromagnetic component 35. The electromagnetic component may includea material that is magnetic (e.g., creates magnetic fields) whenelectricity is provided to the electromagnetic component and is notmagnetic (e.g., does not create magnetic fields) when electricity isremoved (e.g., cut, switched off, etc.) from the electromagneticcomponent. In some implementations, a valve may require a force to actupon the valve (e.g., member 13) to open the valve. The electromagneticcomponent may include a first setting in which the electromagneticcomponent is magnetic (e.g., when electricity is provided to theelectromagnetic component) and thus may be capable of inhibiting aspring of the valve from closing the valve and/or maintain the positionof the valve. The electromagnetic component may include a second settingin which the electromagnet may not be magnetic or have some magnetismbut not enough to inhibit the spring of the valve from closing the valve(e.g., or vice versa—opening the valve if the spring of the valve actsto keep the valve open). As illustrated, the electromagnetic component35 may extend in a first direction (see e.g., direction 1 in FIG. 3)from the first side 32 of the body 31 of the bracket. In someimplementations, the electromagnetic component may include a plate 35extending from the first side 32 of the body 31 of the bracket 30. Anelectromagnet 37 may be coupled to the plate 36 via a fastener 38. Powermay be provided to the electromagnet 37 via wiring 39. For example, thewiring may couple the electromagnet to a power source, such as a batteryand/or a power source associated with a vehicle (e.g., via coupler suchas a cigarette lighter adapter and/or USB connector in a tractor, a carbattery, a tractor battery, etc.). Since the electronic actuator may notrequire a large amount of power, the power source may not inhibitoperation(s) of the vehicle while drawing power to supply the electronicactuator and/or the electronic actuator may be powered by a portablebattery.

The electromagnetic component 20 may include a handle 50. FIGS. 4C and4D illustrate front and back views, respectively of an example handle.As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, 4C and 4D, the handle 50 may be coupled ata coupling portion 51 to the valve. As illustrated, the handle mayinclude a recess disposed proximate an end of the handle to receive atleast a portion of the member 13 of the valve. A fastener may securemember 13 in the recess of the handle. The coupling portion may couplewith member 13 such that rotation of the handle rotates member 13, whichadjusts a position (e.g., open and/or closed) of the valve. The handlemay include a stem 52 with a first side 53 and a second opposing side54. A gripper 55 may be coupled to a first side 53 of the stem 51. Thegripper may have any appropriate size, shape, textured surface (e.g., tofacilitate gripping of the gripper), and/or coating (e.g., to inhibitrust, facilitate gripping, improve appearance, visually identify thegripper, etc.).

The handle may include an attractive component 60 between the connectingpart 51 of the handle and the gripper 55. The attractive component 60may include a material that is attracted to magnetic fields and/orattracted (e.g., temporarily and/or permanently) to the attractivecomponent 35 of the bracket 30. The attractive component 60 may bemagnetic, in some implementations. The attractive component 60 maymagnetically couple with the electromagnetic component 35 of the bracket20 when the electromagnetic component 35 has power (e.g., such that itis magnetic). The attractive component 60 may include a ferromagneticmaterial and/or rare earth magnetic material, in some implementations.In some implementations, the attractive component 60 of the handle mayinclude a plate 61 to which a ferromagnetic material 62 is coupled via afastener 63.

In various implementations, the handle may be utilized to open a valve(e.g., manually, semi-automatically, and/or automatically). The handlemay be moved (e.g., such that member 13 rotates) from a closed position(e.g., first position) to an open position (e.g., second position) bymoving the handle in direction 3. Power may be provided to theelectromagnetic component, which causes the attractive component to bemagnetically coupled to the electromagnetic component of the bracket.The coupling between the attractive component 60 and the electromagneticcomponent 35 may maintain the handle in the open position and/ormaintain the valve in an open position (e.g., when the electromagnet ison). The open valve may be used to provide fluid for any appropriatepurpose, such as delivering anhydrous ammonia from a tank (e.g., nursetank) via hoses to field applicators, to fill other tanks, etc. Themagnetic attraction between the handle and the bracket may be greaterthan a force applied by a spring of a valve in a spring valve (e.g., inwhich the spring closes the valve) to allow the valve to remain open,during use. By utilizing electromagnetic attraction to keep the valveopen, operators may be discouraged from wiring open the valve during usesince the strength which with the bracket and handle are coupled isstrong. Wiring the valve open is sometimes utilized to inhibit the valvefrom accidentally closing while on bumpy fields; however, wiring a valveopen can inhibit safety features from operating correctly. Thus, safetyduring operations may be increased since accidental closure may also beinhibited by using the electronic actuator.

The magnetic attraction between the handle and the bracket when theelectromagnet is on (e.g., power is provided to the electromagnet) mayinhibit a user from manually uncoupling the handle and the bracketand/or inhibit accidental closure during use (e.g., from bumps in afield jostling the handle during application), in some implementations.The electromagnet may be turned off to release the handle from thebracket (e.g., the attractive component of the handle may be uncoupledfrom the electromagnetic component of the bracket). In someimplementations, the valve may automatically close when theelectromagnet is turned off. For example, a spring in a spring valve maycause the valve to close once the force keeping the valve open (e.g.,the electromagnetic force between the electromagnet 35 and theattractive component 60) is removed. Thus, when the electromagnet isturned off, the spring of the valve may act and draw the valve closed,which causes the member 13 and/or the handle coupled to member 13 torotate to a closed position.

A switch may control the power provided to the electromagnetic component(e.g., turn the electromagnet on and/or off). The switch may be remoteto the valve in some implementations (e.g., to increase safety). FIG. 5illustrates an implementation of a portion 500 of an example nursingtank system. As illustrated, the nurse tank trailer 505 may include anurse tank 510 and an electronic actuator 20 coupled to the nurse tank.A switch may be coupled to the electronic actuator via a connection 530,such as a wired connection and/or wireless connection. The switch may beremote to the nurse tank, such as in the truck, with an operator, in anoffice, etc. Thus, a user may not need to approach the valve and/ortank, which may be leaking dangerous compounds (e.g., exposure to whichmay be hazardous and/or which may have a risk of ignition). As anotherexample, if a vehicle a user is driving overturns, the user and/or aremote user can activate the switch (e.g., while the user remains in thevehicle). Thus, injured drivers and/or remote users can still shut offthe valve, which increases safety when compared with commerciallyavailable pull lines that can get tangled in field accident and are notavailable over long distances. In some operations, users may not be ableto safely approach the leak (e.g., in a tank and/or line), for examplesince exposure may cause the operator to have respiratory problemsand/or pass out; thus, a remote switch may allow the valve to be closedwhile minimizing contact with the hazardous material. The switch may bewired and/or wirelessly (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) coupled to theelectronic actuator (e.g., electromagnet) and/or the power source (e.g.,which is coupled to the electromagnet). The switch may be anyappropriate switch, such as a button, a lever, and/or may be a wirelessswitch that may be activated by an application on a phone or othercomputer. For example, a switch box may be wired from the electromagnetand may be placed in a vehicle (e.g., driving nursing tanks) and/or anyother appropriate location such as an office (e.g., proximate storagetanks).

In some implementations, the valve may operate as an emergency shut offvalve and automatically close when power is cut off from theelectromagnetic component. For example, the valve may close based on theactivation of a switch coupled to the electromagnet and/or the powersource of the electromagnet. The electromagnetic component may beotherwise turned off, for example, by line breakage between theelectromagnet and the power source (e.g., in emergency scenarios such asa vehicle and/or tank rolling and cutting the lines, tangled lines,etc.). When power is removed from the electromagnet, the magneticattraction between the electromagnet bracket and the attractivecomponent of the handle ceases and the spring of the valve acts on thehandle (e.g., via member 13) to pivot the handle in direction 2 and movethe handle to the closed position and thus the valve in the closedposition. Since the described valves are utilized with anhydrousammonia, the emergency shut off valve feature of the described valvesmay facilitate compliance with regulations, industry standards, and/orgenerally increase safety since the valve defaults to a closed positionrather than open position.

In various implementations, the electronic actuator may include one ormore locking members. Locking members may inhibit leakage, inadvertentopening of a valve, inadvertent closing of a valve during use, and/ortheft. Locking member(s) of the electronic actuator may facilitatecompliance with regulations (e.g., government, insurance, etc.) and/orindustry standards. Locking member(s) may decrease costs (e.g., bydecreasing losses due to theft, inadvertent leaking, damage due toleaks, liability to operators due to leaks or malfunctions, etc.)

The electronic actuator may include more than one locking member, insome implementations. A first locking member may include one or moreflanges on the electronic actuator. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and4C-6, the bracket may include a first flange 40. The first flange 40 mayextend in an opposite direction as the electromagnetic component. Asillustrated, the electromagnetic component may extend in direction 1 andthe first flange may extend in direction 2 from the bracket. The firstflange 40 may include a first opening 41 extending through the firstflange. The first opening 41 may be configured to receive at least aportion of a lock (e.g., a portion of the shackle of a lock).Positioning the lock in the first opening may not inhibit the movementof the handle of the electronic actuator. In some implementations, theelectronic actuator may not include the first flange and/or firstopening. For example, the electronic actuator may or may not include adifferent member onto which the lock may be coupled without inhibitingmovement of the handle (e.g., the lock may be removed from theelectronic actuator when not locking the valve and/or electronicactuator handle).

The handle may include a second flange 56 that extends from the stembetween the connecting part 51 (e.g., proximate a first end of the stem)and the gripper 55 (e.g., proximate the second opposing end of thestem). The second flange 56 may extend from the stem from a third sidebetween the first side 52 and the second side 53 of the handle. In someimplementations, the flange may be disposed in a plane approximatelyperpendicular to the plane of the plate onto which the electromagnet iscoupled. The second flange 56 may include a second opening 57 thatextends through the second flange. The second opening 57 may beconfigured to receive at least a portion of a lock (e.g., a portion ofthe shackle of a lock).

The body of the bracket 20 may be designed such that when the handle isin an open position, the second opening 57 is not accessible, asillustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the gap between the handle and thebracket proximate the second opening may not allow a user to dispose alock through the second opening. As illustrated, in someimplementations, the length 45 of an arm of the bracket may beapproximately the same as distance 80 from an edge of the stem 52 to thesecond opening 57 of the handle 50 such that once the handle moves fromthe closed valve position the second opening becomes at least partiallyoccluded by the arm of the bracket. Thus, a user would be inhibited fromopening a lock disposed in the second opening, opening the valve (e.g.,by moving the handle of the electronic actuator), and then repositioningthe lock in the second opening while the valve is open. Sincepositioning a lock in the second opening of the second flange while thevalve is open may interfere with the emergency shut off feature of theelectronic actuator of the valve (e.g., by inhibiting full closure ofthe valve), operational safety of the valve assembly may be increased byinhibiting access to the second opening of the handle when the handle ismoving to an open position and/or is in an open position.

When the valve is open (e.g., and the handle is in the first position asillustrated in FIG. 1), the lock may be positioned in the first openingin the first flange 40, which may act as a resting location, when thelock is removed from the handle. By resting the lock in the firstopening 41, a user may not lose the lock while operating the valve butmay not inadvertently inhibit rotation of the handle (e.g., which maythus interfere with the emergency shut off capabilities of theelectronic actuator). In some implementations, the electronic actuatormay not include a feature to provide a resting location to a lock not inuse.

FIG. 6A illustrates an implementation of the valve assembly in which thevalve is in the closed position and FIG. 6B illustrates a partialcutaway view of the valve assembly illustrated in FIG. 6A. When thevalve and handle are in a closed position, the second opening 57 may becapable of receiving a lock, as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6A. Thelock may be removed from the first opening 41 of the bracket 30 anddisposed in the second opening in the handle to lock the valve (e.g.,inhibit movement of the valve to an open position). Since the handleoperation is not substantially inhibited by placement of the lock in thefirst opening, the lock may reside in the first opening until theoperator locks the valve assembly, in some implementations.

The lock may be closed (e.g., locked) to secure and/or lock the valve. Alock may include a shackle that can pass through the opening and thuslock the valve (e.g., movement of the valve). When the lock is disposedin the second opening, the rotation of the handle may be inhibited. Forexample, a portion of the lock (e.g., the shackle of the lock) maycontact the bracket and inhibit movement of the handle from the closedposition. The lock may be key, combination, a pin, zip tie, and/or anyother appropriate type of lock and may inhibit unauthorized access tothe contents of the nurse tank and/or inadvertent opening of the valve.The lock may allow a user to determine if the lock has been opened sincelocking the valve (e.g., a zip tie may be cut or removed, a lock mayrecord last opening, etc.). As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 11, a lock maybe selected such that cutting off the lock may be difficult orcumbersome. For example, the shackle may not extend greatly past theopening, limiting the amount of shackle available to cut through withbolt cutters, in some implementations.

In some implementations, the electronic actuator may include a secondlocking member in addition to and/or in place of the first lockingmember. As illustrated, a second locking member 70 may be coupledproximate an end of the bracket 20. The bracket 20 may include acoupling member 42 (e.g., opening) and a fastener 43 may couple thebracket and the locking member 70 via the coupling member 42. The secondlocking member 70 may include a spring-loaded latch. The second lockingmember 70 may include a latch 71 that extends from a coupling portionproximate the bracket and a spring 72 that may or may not be coupled tothe fastener 43. The latch 71 may include a recess 73 configured toreceive at least a portion of the handle (e.g., stem). The spring 72 ofthe locking member 70 may inhibit movement of the handle received by thelatch. A force, greater than the force applied by the spring 72, may beapplied, by a user, to release the handle of the electronic actuatorfrom the latch. For example, the latch may be rotated in direction 3 torelease the handle from the latch 71 and dispose the handle, and thusthe valve, in an open position. To close the valve, the handle may bepivoted to a closed position and the latch may be rotated in direction 3to allow the handle to be disposed in a predetermined position (e.g.,closed position) such that when the latch is released, the handle isreceived by the latch to lock the handle. In some implementations, thelatch may be configured such that the latch may rotate in direction 3 byapplication of a predetermined force (e.g., a force greater than thatapplied by the spring) to the latch by the handle pivoting to the closedposition. The spring may be selected such that the force applied by thespring is overcome by the force of the handle pivoting into the closedposition in an emergency shut off (e.g., when the power source isremoved from the electromagnet and the spring in the valve applies aforce to the handle via connection member 13 to pivot the handle to aclosed position, the force of this movement displaces the latch to allowthe handle to be disposed in a closed position). The latch mayautomatically rotate, due to the spring 72, in a direction oppositedirection 3 once the handle is in the closed position and/or once aforce is removed from the latch.

The second locking member may inhibit leakage due to inadvertent openingof the valve. For example, when a nurse tank is driven (e.g., prior toand/or after application), in areas (e.g., fields, dirt roads, etc.) thepaths may be bumpy when compared to paved roads. The movement of thenurse tank even on smooth roads may cause vibration and/or jostling ofvalve. The second locking member may inhibit movement of the handle byretaining the handle with the latch. A user may utilize the secondlocking member with or without the first locking member when drivingbetween application sites, when driving between storage tanks andapplications sites, when theft concerns are minimal, etc.

The first and/or second locking member may facilitate disposition of thehandle in the closed position to increase safety and inhibit inadvertentleaks (e.g., from failure to fully close a valve). For example, thesecond opening of the first locking member may be occluded or partiallyoccluded when the valve is not fully closed, which may facilitateidentification of a not fully closed valve. As another non-limitingexample, the latch may not clasp when the handle is not in the closedposition to facilitate identification of a not fully closed valve. Theforce from the spring of the second locking member may further move thehandle to the fully close the valve, in some implementations. The firstand/or second locking member may be easy to operate and may thusincrease user satisfaction with the valve. In some implementations, thevalve may close prior to the handle being latched by the second lockingposition.

Thus, using one or more locking members may inhibit theft, leakage,and/or inadvertent failures to close a valve.

Although FIGS. 1-6 describe an implementation of an example valveassembly, the valve assembly may or may not include these featuresand/or the valve assembly may include one or more other features. Forexample, the valve may be any appropriate type of anhydrous ammoniavalve. The valve may include other types of valve disks, as illustratedin FIGS. 6 and 12. The valve may include a flat or rounded valve diskassembly, such as where the second part 14 of the valve is flat orrounded. As illustrated, the valve may include a tapered valve diskassembly (e.g., a first part 13 and a second tapered part 14). Thetapered valve disk assembly in combination with the electronic actuatormay increase laminar flow from hoses attached to the valve. Byincreasing laminar flow from the hose, providing a secure open positionfor the valve (e.g., via the electromagnetic connection holding thevalve open), and by increasing safety (e.g., by providing a switch toallow emergency shut off), an operator may be capable of driving 10miles an hour during common field applications as opposed to 5 miles anhour with conventional anhydrous ammonia safety valves.

The valve may include any appropriate valve for anhydrous ammoniaincluding, but not limited to spring valves, safety valves, excess flowvalves, bulkhead valves, etc. In some implementations, the valve may bea spring valve that includes a spring (not shown) that retains a valvein a closed position such that when a valve is released from an openposition, the valve automatically returns to the closed position (e.g.,via the spring). For example, opening the valve may expand the springand when the force retaining the valve in an open position is released(e.g., electromagnetic is not magnetic and/or has a magnetic force lessthan the force applied by the spring), the spring may return to returnto an initial state (e.g., less expanded state) and close the valve. Inanhydrous ammonia tanks, use of spring valves may ensure closure and/orcomplete closure when disposing the valve in the closed position (e.g.,since the force from the spring may fully close the tank). In someimplementations, the valve may be an excess flow valve and mayautomatically close based on predetermined valve criteria (e.g.,downstream pressure decrease greater than a predetermined amount such aswhen a hose breaks). Although excess flow valves may provide someprotection against excess flows, in anhydrous ammonia applications, theuse of the electronic actuator may inhibit other types of leaks. In someimplementations, the described valves may be used in line with hosesand/or with tanks.

The valve may include any appropriate feature such as riser protection(e.g. in case of valve pull away from the tank), fire fuse, sensor(e.g., ammonia sniffer), fail-safe feature, etc. For example, the valvemay include a fire fuse such that the valve may automatically close inthe presence of a predetermined length of a predetermined elevatedtemperature (e.g., fire). One or more of the safety features may shutoff the valve independently and/or in conjunction with the describedvalve assembly emergency shut off (e.g., when the switch is triggered inan emergency scenario). For example, a fire fuse in a valve may closethe valve independently of the switch. As another example, a riserprotection may be coupled to the switch such that it is capable ofremoving or cutting the power delivered to the electromagneticcomponent.

The electronic actuator may be capable of opening and/or closing thevalve in some implementations. For example, the magnetic field generatedby the electromagnet may be strong enough to attract the attractivecomponent of the handle and adjust the handle to the first position toopen the valve (e.g., the magnetic field may create a force greater thanthe force applied by the spring and/or spring of the latch).

In various implementations, the power source may be coupled to theelectronic actuator. For example, a battery may be disposed proximatethe valve and/or electronic actuator and coupled to the electromagnet.The battery may be disposed in and/or proximate the plate of thebracket. The battery, in some implementations may be associated with avehicle (e.g., vehicle battery) and/or trailer pulling a tank on whichthe electronic actuator is coupled. The switch may be coupled to thebattery and/or electromagnet (e.g., wirelessly and/or wired connection).The switch may then control whether power is provided to theelectromagnet.

In some implementations, the handle may or may not include a gripper.For example, a user may hold the handle directly (rather than agripper). The gripper of a handle may or may not be disposed proximatean end of the stem of the handle. The gripper may be removably coupledto the stem such that different styles of grippers may be utilized(e.g., bar, bar with cushioning, t-shaped bar, etc.) The gripper may berepositionable on the stem. For example, the gripper may be disposed oneither a first side or the second opposing side of the stem, in someimplementations. The stem may include an opening through the stem thatis capable of receiving at least a portion of the gripper (e.g., viamating threads). The opening may allow the gripper to be coupled suchthat the gripper extends from the first side or the second side of thestem.

In some implementations, the gripper may have a texture and/or coating(e.g., polymeric, rubber, etc.) to facilitate holding the gripper of thehandle. For example, an exterior surface of the gripper may have atexture (in the material of the gripper and/or via a coating) thatfacilitates gripping the handle when an operator's hands are wet. Asanother example, the gripper may include a coating (e.g., insulating)that maintains a lower temperature than the stem of the handle (e.g.,since exposure to sun may heat the handle to temperatures that areuncomfortable to the touch).

In some implementations, the first locking member may not include thefirst flange and/or first opening. The first flange and/or the firstopening may be utilized as a position for the lock, when not in use(e.g., a resting position), since the placement of a lock in the firstopening does not substantially affect the movement of the handle. Insome implementations, the first locking member may include other restingpositions for locks not in use, such as loops coupled to portions of theelectronic actuator, switch, and/or valve.

Any appropriate switch may be utilized with the system. In someimplementations, the switch may or may not be a mechanical switch. Theoperator may pull a cable that disconnects the electrical power sourcefrom the electromagnet and/or otherwise breaks the connection. In someimplementations, the switch may be controlled by a computer application(e.g., controlled from a phone, tablet, on board vehicle computer, orother computing device). The switch may utilize an ISOBUS communicationsand/or any other appropriate type of communication.

In some implementations, the attractive component on the handle may bean electromagnet component and the attractive component on the bracketmay be attracted to the electromagnetic component (e.g., when theelectromagnetic component has power). For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the handle may include an electromagnet component 37 and thebracket may include the attractive component 62. Thus, the switch may becoupled to the electromagnet component of the handle. To open the valve,the handle may be moved to an open position and power may be provided tothe electromagnet component 37. The electromagnet component (e.g., whenpower is provided) of the handle may couple with the attractivecomponent in the bracket to maintain the handle and thus the valve inthe open position.

In some implementations, the power source for the electromagneticcomponent may be coupled to the bracket. For example, a battery, such asa 12V battery may operate the electromagnet and a battery case may beprovided on the bracket such that a battery may be coupled to thebracket. In some implementations, the electromagnetic component may besolar powered. For example, a solar panel may be mounted proximate thevalve, such as on a tank, to provide power to the electromagneticcomponent.

In some implementations, a non-electromagnetic attractive componentbased device may be utilized (e.g., a non-electromagnetic attractivecomponent may be disposed on the bracket and/or handle instead of theelectromagnet component). For example, the attractive components mayinclude a magnetic component that can be broken by a user moving thehandle and/or a cable pull cord. In some implementations, the attractivecomponents may be coupled such that a cable running to the operator canbe pulled to release the attractive components from each other andautomatically close the valve.

In some implementations, the bracket may have dimensions such thatdeformation (e.g., due to an operator leaning on the bracket, rolloverof a nurse tank, etc.) is inhibited. For example, the bracket may have apredetermined thickness, which inhibits deformation during use, commonaccidents and/or common misuses (e.g., weight of a user leaning onbracket, rollover, etc.)

In some implementations, the handle may have a fixed arc through whichit pivots (e.g., moves). The movement of the handle may be similar tothe movement of the connection member 13 (e.g., the connection member 13may rotate and the handle coupled to the connection member may rotate).The handle may have a first position, which corresponds to the valvebeing open. The handle may have a second position, to which it can pivot(e.g., counterclockwise from the first position), corresponding to thevalve being closed. The first position and the second position may beapproximately the maximum distance between which the handle can pivot.In some implementations, the handle and the valve may be configured suchthat the valve may be closed prior to the handle reaching the secondposition (e.g., the handle is capable of being pivoted morecounterclockwise after the valve is closed). For example, the valve mayfully close at a point in the pivot of the handle between the firstposition and the second position. In some implementations, the valve mayclose when the handle is approximately 10 to approximately 40 degreesbefore the second position. The valve may close when the handle isapproximately 35 to approximately 25 degrees from the second position(e.g., approximately 30 degrees). This early close valve assembly mayinhibit leaks when the handle is not latched and/or locked (e.g., viaone or more of the locking members). Since the valve is closed prior tothe handle reaching the second position, minor fluctuations (e.g., dueto jostling, failure to lock or latch, etc.) may not cause leaks.

In some implementations, other locking members may be used in additionto and/or in place of the first and/or second locking member. Forexample, a third locking member may include a loop and/or c-shapedmember than is rotatably coupled proximate an end of the bracket. Theloop and/or c-shaped member may rotate over the end of the bracket to bedisposed over an end of the handle (e.g., an end opposite the connectionpart of the handle) such that a portion of the handle is disposed in theloop and/or in the C-shaped member to lock the handle in a closedposition. When the valve is opened, the loop and/or c-shaped member maybe rotated over the end of the handle and over the end of the bracket torelease the handle. The third locking member may be utilized instead ofthe second locking member in some implementations.

In some implementations, an electronic actuator may include a fourthlocking member instead of the first locking members. FIGS. 8-13illustrate an implementation of a valve assembly 100 with a fourthlocking member. The fourth locking member may be utilized in place ofand/or in addition to other locking members (e.g., second locking memberthat includes a latch). As illustrated, an electronic actuator 20 may becoupled to a valve 10. The valve may be any appropriate type ofanhydrous ammonia valve (e.g., excess flow valve). The electronicactuator 20 may include a bracket 30 coupled to valve and a handle 50coupled to the valve. The bracket 30 may include a lock flange 110extending from the first side 52 of the body 51 of the bracket. The lockflange 110 may have a tab 111 extending at an angle from the lock flange110. As illustrated the lock flange 110 and the tab 111 may form anapproximately C-shape with the first side of the bracket. A gap 113 mayreside between the tab 11 and the bracket 30. The tab 111 may include afirst opening 112 extending through the tab. The handle 50 may include asecond opening 120 disposed between the connecting part of the handleand the gripper. When the handle is in the closed position, asillustrated in FIG. 9, the handle may be received in the gap 113 betweenthe tab 111 and the bracket 30. The first opening 112 in the bracket andthe second opening 120 in the handle 50 are at least partially alignedwhen the handle is in the closed position. Then, as illustrated in FIG.12, a lock 68 may be coupled to the handle and the bracket via the firstopening and the second openings. A shackle 69 of the lock 68 may bedisposed at least partially in the first opening in the tab of thebracket and the second opening of the handle to lock the handle, andthus the valve, in the closed position. To unlock the handle and thusthe valve, the shackle 69 of the lock 68 may be removed from the firstopening 112 and the second opening 120. The handle may then be rotatedin direction 3 to dispose the handle and the valve in an open position.

In some implementations, the bracket and the handle may have dimensionsand/or relative ratios. FIG. 14A-E illustrate various views andapproximate dimensions (in inches) of one implementation of an examplebracket. FIGS. 15A-D illustrate various views and approximate dimensions(in inches) of one implementation of an example handle that can be usedin conjunction with the bracket illustrated in FIGS. 14A-E in anelectronic actuator. The dimensions illustrated in FIGS. 14A-E and15A-D, illustrate one implementation of example dimensions and ratios ofdimensions (e.g., between portions and complementary handle and bracket)that can be utilized in the valve assembly as described.

In various implementations, to open a valve, power may be provided to anelectromagnetic component (e.g., by the switch) and the handle may bereleased from a second locking member (e.g., by applying a force greaterthan the force applied by the spring of the latching mechanism to rotatethe latch from its initial position). The second locking member mayreturn to its initial position once the handle is past a position ofcontact with the latching mechanism. The handle may then be rotated froma first closed position to a second open position. As the handlerotates, the valve may be opened (e.g., via connection member 13). Asthe handle is rotated, the attractive component of the handle may beattracted to the magnetic field of the electromagnetic component andcouple with the electromagnetic component when the handle is in thesecond open position and/or at a distance from the electromagneticcomponent (e.g., proximate to the second open position). In someimplementations, the electromagnet component may pull or partially pullthe handle (e.g., when released from the second locking member) from thefirst position to the second position. The electromagnet may retain thehandle in the open position (e.g., by coupling with the attractiveportion on the handle). The second open position may or may notcorrespond with a fully open valve position.

In various implementations, to close the valve, the power may be cut offfrom the electromagnet (e.g., the circuit may be disrupted or opened) bythe switch. The electromagnet may become nonmagnetic and release theattractive component, which is no longer attracted to the electromagnet.The spring of the valve may then return to its initial position (e.g.,since the force that was applied to the handle is no longer applied) andcause the handle to rotate to the first closed position. The force ofthe spring may cause the handle to exert enough force on the latchingmember such that the latch rotates to allow the handle to go to thefirst open position. Once the handle is in the first open position, thehandle may reside in a recess of the latch and not exert a force on thelatch. The latch may then return to its initial position and retain thehandle in the first position. In some implementations, the latch of thesecond locking member may be opened (e.g., rotated to an open position)to couple with the handle.

In some implementations, the valve may not include a spring toautomatically close the valve, and the handle may be rotated to theclosed position to close the valve. The force of the handle impactingthe latch of the second locking member may cause the latch to rotate toopen the second locking member. In some implementations, the latch ofthe second locking member may be opened (e.g., rotated to an openposition) to couple with the handle. The latch may then (e.g.,automatically) move to a closed position and receive the handle to lockthe handle.

In some implementations, the valve may be locked by disposing a lock inan opening in the handle of the electronic actuator, which inhibits themovement of the handle (e.g., since the lock itself will contact thebracket of the actuator in this position and inhibit movement of thehandle to an open position). To release the lock, the lock may beremoved from this opening in the handle and may or may not be disposedin an opening of the bracket (e.g., that does not inhibit movement ofthe handle).

In various implementations, an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank valveassembly may include an anhydrous ammonia valve, an electronic actuator,and a switch to operate the electronic actuator. The anhydrous ammoniavalve may include comprises at least one open position and a closedposition. The closed position may inhibit flow of the anhydrous ammoniathrough the valve. The valve may include a spring (e.g., a springactuated valve). The electronic actuator may be coupled to the valve andmay be capable adjusting the position of the valve. The electronicactuator may include a bracket and a handle. The bracket may be coupledto the valve. The bracket may include an electromagnet and a firstflange. The electromagnet may be coupled to an electrical source. Theelectromagnet may extend in a first direction away from a body of thebracket. The first flange may extend in a second direction away from thebody of the bracket such that the first flange and the electromagnet arenot disposed on the same side of the bracket. The first flange mayinclude a first opening capable of receiving a first lock. The switch ofthe valve assembly may be coupled to the electromagnet. The switch mayinclude an on position, which allows power to be provided from theelectrical source to the electromagnet to allow the electromagnet to bemagnetic, and an off position, which inhibits power from the electricalsource to be provided to the electromagnet and allows the electromagnetto be non-magnetic. The handle of the bracket may include a connectionportion pivotably coupled to the valve such that the handle can berotated from a first position in which the valve is disposed in one ofthe open positions to a second position in which the valve is disposedin the closed position (e.g., and vice versa). The spring of the valveis extended when the handle opens the valve. The handle may include astem extending from the connection portion of the handle. The stem mayinclude a first side proximate the bracket and a second opposing side.The stem may include one or more grippers extending from the second sideof the stem of the handle. The gripper may facilitate holding and/ormovement of the handle. The stem may include an attractive componentextending from the second side of the body of the handle. The attractivecomponent may be disposed on the stem between the gripper and theconnection portion, in some implementations. The attractive componentmay couple with the electromagnet in the bracket when the electromagnetis magnetic (e.g., to inhibit closure of the valve). The stem mayinclude a second flange opening extending from a side between the firstside and the second side of the stem of the handle. The second flange ofthe handle may be disposed between the connection portion and thegripper of the handle. The second flange may have a length such thatwhen the handle is disposed in the first position, the second flange mayextend beyond the body of the bracket. The second flange may include asecond opening that is disposed through the second flange and/orconfigured to receive the first lock. The first opening of the firstflange of the bracket may be configured such that disposing the firstlock in the first opening does not inhibit movement of the handle. Thesecond opening of the second flange of the bracket may be configuredsuch that disposing the first lock in the second opening allows thefirst lock to contact the bracket and inhibit the handle from moving tothe first position. The valve assembly may include a second lock coupledto the bracket. The second lock may include a spring loaded latchcapable of inhibiting release of a handle received by the spring loadedlatch. The spring loaded latch may be capable of releasing the handle toallow the handle to move to the first position. The spring loaded latchmay be configured to move to receive the handle when the spring of thevalve moves the handle to the second position due to the release of theattractive member of the handle by the electromagnet and then by forceof the spring of the spring load latch may receive and inhibit movementof the handle. When the attractive component of the handle and theelectromagnet of the bracket are coupled, the valve may be disposed inthe open position. When power is removed from the electromagnet, thespring of the valve may cause the handle to rotate to the secondposition and may close the valve.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Theanhydrous ammonia valve may include an anhydrous ammonia emergency shutoff valve and/or an excess flow valve. The anhydrous ammonia valve mayinclude a fire fuse configured to allow the valve to close when the firefuse is exposed to fire for a predetermined amount of time. The valveassembly may include first lock disposable in the second opening of thehandle to inhibit movement of the handle and disposable in the firstopening of the handle.

In various implementations, an electronic actuator may be coupled to ananhydrous ammonia valve. The electronic actuator may allow flow to thevalve to be shut off (e.g., closed). The electronic actuator may includea bracket and a handle. The bracket may be coupleable to the valve. Thebracket may include one or more electromagnets extending in a firstdirection away from a body of the bracket. The electromagnet(s) may becoupled to an electrical source. The handle may include a connectionportion pivotably coupleable to the valve such that handle can berotated from a first position in which the valve is disposed in one ofthe open positions to a second position in which the valve is disposedin the closed position. A spring of the valve may be extended when thehandle opens the valve (e.g., such that when the force is released fromthe spring, the spring may return to an initial position and drawn thevalve closed automatically). The handle may include a stem, a gripperextending from the stem, and an attractive component extending from asecond side of the stem. The stem may extend from the connection portionof the handle and include a first side proximate the bracket and asecond opposing side. The attractive component may be disposed on thestem between the gripper and the connection portion. The attractivecomponent may couple with the electromagnet in the bracket to inhibitclosure of the valve, when the electromagnet is magnetic. The stem mayinclude a second flange extending from a side between the first side andthe second side of the body and/or disposed between the connectionportion of the handle and the gripper. The second flange may have alength such that when the handle is disposed in the first position, thesecond flange may extend beyond the body of the bracket. The secondflange may include a second opening disposed through the second flangeand configured to receive the first lock. The second opening of thesecond flange of the bracket may be configured such that disposing thefirst lock in the second opening allows the first lock to contact thebracket and inhibit the handle from moving to the first position. Whenthe attractive component of the handle and the electromagnet of thebracket are coupled, the valve may be disposed in the open position.When power is removed from the electromagnet, the spring of the valvemay cause the handle to rotate to the second position and may close thevalve.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Thestem of the handle may receive the gripper on the first side or thesecond side of the stem. The electronic actuator may include a switchcoupled to the electromagnet. The switch may include an on position,which allows power to be provided from the electrical source to theelectromagnet to allow the electromagnet to be magnetic, and/or an offposition, which inhibits power from the electrical source to be providedto the electromagnet and allows the electromagnet to be non-magnetic.The switch may or may not be remote to the valve and electronicactuator. The valve may be in a closed position prior to the handlebeing disposed in the second position (e.g., approximately 30 degreesprior to the second position of the handle). The attractive componentmay include ferromagnetic material and/or other materials attracted tomagnetic fields. The electronic actuator may include one or moreadditional locking members. For example, a second lock may be coupled tothe bracket. The second lock may include a spring loaded latch capableof inhibiting release of a handle received by the spring loaded latch.The spring loaded latch may be capable of releasing the handle to allowthe handle to move to the first position. The spring loaded latch may beconfigured to move to receive the handle when the spring of the valvemoves the handle to the second position due to the release of theattractive member of the handle by the electromagnet and then by forceof the spring of the spring load latch receive and inhibit movement ofthe handle. The electronic actuator may be coupleable to the valve of ananhydrous ammonia storage tank and/or an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank.The bracket may include a first flange extending in a second directionaway from the body of the bracket such that the first flange and theelectromagnet are not disposed on the same side of the bracket. Thefirst flange may include a first opening capable of receiving a firstlock. The first opening of the first flange of the bracket may beconfigured such that disposing the first lock in the first opening doesnot inhibit movement of the handle. The first opening of the bracket maybe a resting point for a lock when the lock is not in use (e.g., whenthe lock is not locking the valve) that does not inhibit movement of thehandle and thus does not inhibit safety features such as activation viaa switch.

In various implementations, an electronic actuator may be coupled to ananhydrous ammonia valve. The electronic actuator may to shut off flow tothe valve. The electronic actuator may include a bracket and a handle.The bracket and/or the handle may be coupleable to the valve. Thebracket may include one or more electromagnets. The electromagnet maybecoupled to an electrical source and/or may extend in a first directionaway from a body of the bracket. The handle may include a connectionportion pivotably coupleable to the valve such that the handle can berotated from a first position in which the valve is disposed in one ofthe open positions to a second position in which the valve is disposedin the closed position. A spring of the valve may be extended when thehandle opens the valve. The handle may include a stem and a gripperextending from a second side of the stem of the handle. The stem mayextend from a connection portion of the handle and may include a firstside proximate the bracket and a second opposing side. The handle mayinclude an attractive component extending from the second side of thebody of the handle. The attractive component may be disposed on the stembetween the gripper and the connection portion. The attractive componentmay couple with the electromagnet in the bracket to inhibit closure ofthe valve, when the electromagnet is magnetic. The electronic actuatormay include a lock coupled to the bracket. The lock may include a springloaded latch capable of inhibiting release of a handle received by thespring loaded latch. The spring loaded latch may be capable of releasingthe handle to allow the handle to move to the first position. The springloaded latch may be configured to move to receive the handle when thespring of the valve moves the handle to the second position due to therelease of the attractive member of the handle by the electromagnet andthen by force of the spring of the spring load latch receive and inhibitmovement of the handle. When the attractive component of the handle andthe electromagnet of the bracket are coupled, the valve may be disposedin the open position. When power is removed from the electromagnet, thespring of the valve may cause the handle to rotate to the secondposition and close the valve.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Thebracket may include a first flange extending in a second direction awayfrom the body of the bracket such that the first flange and theelectromagnet are not disposed on the same side of the bracket. Thefirst flange may include a first opening capable of receiving a firstlock. The handle may include a second flange extending from a sidebetween the first side and the second side of the body and disposedbetween the connection portion of the handle and the gripper. The secondflange may have a length such that when the handle is disposed in thefirst position, at least a portion of the second flange may extendbeyond the body of the bracket. The second flange may include a secondopening disposed through the flange and configured to receive at least aportion of a lock. The first opening of the first flange of the bracketmay be configured such that disposing the first lock at least partiallyin the first opening does not inhibit movement of the handle. The secondopening of the second flange of the bracket may be configured such thatdisposing the first lock at least partially in the second opening allowsthe first lock to contact the bracket and inhibit the handle from movingto the first position. In some implementations, the attractive componentmay include one or more ferromagnetic materials. The electronic actuatormay be coupled to the valve of an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank and/or ananhydrous ammonia storage tank. The electronic actuator may include aswitch coupled to the electromagnet. The switch may include an onposition, which allows power to be provided from the electrical sourceto the electromagnet to allow the electromagnet to be magnetic, and/oran off position, which inhibits power from the electrical source to beprovided to the electromagnet and allows the electromagnet to benon-magnetic.

In various implementations, the electronic actuator may be coupled to avalve (e.g., existing valve and/or new valve). The valve may include aconnection member that extends through the valve housing to an exteriorof the valve housing. Rotation of the connection member may adjust theposition of the valve (e.g., open and/or closed positions). The bracketof the electronic actuator may include openings through which fastenersmay be at least partially disposed to couple the bracket to the valve(e.g., a valve housing). The bracket may include an opening throughwhich the connection member of the valve may pass. The handle may becoupled to the bracket (e.g., precoupled and/or coupled after couplingthe bracket to the valve). The handle of the electronic actuator mayinclude a connecting portion that is capable of receiving the connectionmember and coupling with the connection member such that when the handlemoves (e.g., rotates), the connection member of the valve rotates.

In various implementations, the described system and processes may beutilized in emergency shut off operations. For example, an operator mayactuate the switch (e.g., switch in off position; pull a cable of theswitch, etc.) to remove power from the electromagnet of the electronicactuator. When power is removed from the electromagnet, theelectromagnet and the attractive component are uncoupled and the springof the valve may cause the handle to rotate into the second position andclose the valve.

Although the attractive components and portions thereof have beenillustrated as approximately cylindrical, the attractive components andportions thereof may be any appropriate size and/or shape. Although theopenings (e.g., in the bracket and/or handle) have been illustrated asincluding a circular cross-section, any appropriate regular or irregularshape may be utilized, such as oval, rectangular, etc.

In various implementations, couplings may include threads, openings andfasteners, quick connectors, other coupling facilitators, etc. asappropriate. For example, the valve may include openings with threads toreceive hoses (e.g., receive threads from connectors of the hose) and/orcouple with a tank. As another example, the hose may couple to a valvevia a quick connector. The coupling may be direct and/or indirect, asappropriate. For example, a connector may be utilized to couple hosesand valves. The connector may allow different size hose(s) to be coupledwith a valve.

In some implementations, the use of the electronic actuator is describedin some implementations as with a spring valve. For example, a valve inwhich a spring in an initial position holds the valve in a closedposition and when a force is applied to a handle of the valve, thespring is extended as the valve is opened. When this force is released,the spring of the valve may automatically return the valve to a closedposition. The spring may be selected such that the force of the springreturning to the initial position is capable of closing the valve. Insome implementations, the spring of the valve may be compressed when thevalve is opened by the movement of the handle of the valve. When theforce is released from the handle the compressed spring may return toits initial position and this resulting force may cause the valve toreturn to a closed position.

Although valves with springs that return the valve to closed positionshave been described, the electronic actuator may be utilized withsprings that return to the open position (e.g., the spring-loaded tostay open). These spring open-type valves may be utilized inapplications where shutting off anhydrous ammonia can cause dangeroussituations (e.g., build up in pressure and/or concentration of anhydrousammonia). A user may rotate the handle of the electronic valve to closethe valve and/or may utilize the switch to trigger an automatic openingof the valve. For example, electricity may be provided to theelectromagnet and the handle may be rotated to cause the attractivecomponent of the handle and the electromagnet of the bracket to becoupled. The switch may cut off power to the electromagnet, whichreleases the handle and opens the valve in this type of spring open typevalve.

In some implementations, the valve may not be a spring valve. Theelectronic actuator may include a spring to perform one or more of theoperations of a spring of a valve, automatically closing or opening thevalve when a force to a valve handle (e.g., that opens or closes thevalve) is removed. In some implementations, a spring may be coupled tothe handle (e.g., between the bracket and the spring) such that thespring is extended or compressed to when the handle is moved between aninitial position and another position by an application of force (e.g.,by a user). For example, a spring (e.g., different from the spring ofthe second locking member) of the electronic actuator may be compressedor expanded to open the valve. As another example, the spring may becompressed or expanded to close the valve. The coupling of theattractive components (e.g., attractive component and electromagnet) mayinhibit movement from this position once the force is released, in someimplementations. When the power is removed from the electromagnet, theattractive components may be uncoupled and the spring (e.g., whenreturning to the initial position) may drive the handle be released theinitial position. Thus, the electronic actuator may be coupled andutilized in non-spring valves (e.g., to allow emergency shut-off).

The described valve assemblies may be utilized in agricultural and/orindustrial settings. For example, the valve assemblies may be utilizedin nurse tank(s). An operator may drive a vehicle coupled to one or morenurse tanks with one or more of the described valve assemblies. Thevalve assemblies may feed anhydrous ammonia from the nurse tanks tofield applicator(s). In some implementations, one or more of thedescribed valve assemblies may be utilized in storage tanks (e.g., inindustrial and/or agricultural settings). The valve assemblies may beutilized to feed anhydrous ammonia from the storage tank to smallertanks (e.g., nurse tanks, consumer tanks, tanks on vehicles, etc.). Insome implementations, the described valve assemblies may be utilized inblending facilities (e.g., with aqueous ammonia). The safety of theoperation may be increased and/or costs of operation may be decreased byuse of the described valve assemblies.

The described processes may be implemented by the various describedsystems, such as systems 1 and 100. In addition, various operations maybe added, deleted, and/or modified. In some implementations, the processmay be performed in combination with other processes and/or portionsthereof. For example, based on which type(s) of locking members areprovided, one or more of the operations may be performed to lock and/orunlock a valve assembly. As another example, more than one type ofemergency shut offs operation may be implemented approximatelyconcurrently/or sequentially. For example, during a fire, one or moretanks may be shut off via the associated switch(es) and/or fire fuse(s)in a valve may shut off a valve. As another example, a switch may becoupled to one or to more than one valve. The switch may thus operate asingle tank and/or more than one tank in conjunction and/or separately.

In some implementations, a switch (e.g., coupled to the electromagneticcomponent and/or power source of the electromagnetic component) maycontrol more than one tank. The switch may be any appropriatemechanical, electronic, and/or software switch.

Although users have been described as a human, a user may be a person, agroup of people, a person or persons interacting with one or morecomputers, and/or a computer system.

It is to be understood the implementations are not limited to particularsystems or processes described which may, of course, vary. It is also tobe understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular implementations only, and is not intended to belimiting. As used in this specification, the singular forms “a”, “an”and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly indicatesotherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an electromagnet” includes acombination of two or more magnet and reference to “a valve” includesdifferent types and/or combinations of valves. As another example, areference to a ferromagnetic material includes different types and/orcombinations of ferromagnetic material. As another example reference toan attractive component may include different types and/or combinationsof attractive components. As another example, a power source may includedifferent types and/or combinations of power sources.

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may bemade herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of thepresent application is not intended to be limited to the particularembodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter,means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one ofordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure,processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed thatperform substantially the same function or achieve substantially thesame result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may beutilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appendedclaims are intended to include within their scope such processes,machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

1. An electronic actuator coupleable to an anhydrous ammonia valve toshut off flow to the valve, the electronic actuator comprising: abracket coupleable to the valve, wherein the bracket comprises: anelectromagnet, and wherein the electromagnet is coupled to an electricalsource, and wherein the electromagnet extends in a first direction awayfrom a body of the bracket; a first flange extending away from the bodyof the bracket such that the first flange and the electromagnet are notdisposed on the same side of the bracket; wherein the first flangecomprises a first opening capable of receiving a first lock; and whereinthe first opening of the first flange of the bracket is configured suchthat disposing the first lock at least partially in the first openingdoes not inhibit movement of the handle; a handle, wherein the handlecomprises: a connection portion pivotably coupleable to the valve,wherein the handle is rotatable from a first position in which the valveis disposed in one of the open positions to a second position in whichthe valve is disposed in the closed position, and wherein a spring ofthe valve is extended when the handle opens the valve; and wherein thehandle comprises: a stem extending from the connection portion of thehandle, wherein the stem comprises a first end proximate the connectionportion and a second opposing end; wherein the stem comprises: a firstside proximate the bracket; a second opposing side; and a third sidedisposed between the first side and the second side; an attractivecomponent extending from the second side of the body of the handle;wherein the attractive component is disposed on the stem between thesecond end of the stem and the connection portion; and wherein theattractive component couples with the electromagnet in the bracket toinhibit closure of the valve, when the electromagnet is magnetic; and asecond flange extending from the third side and disposed between theconnection portion of the handle and the second end of the stem; andwherein the second flange has a length such that when the handle isdisposed in the first position, at least a portion of the second flangeextends beyond the body of the bracket; and wherein the second flangecomprises a second opening disposed through the second flange; andwherein the second opening is configured to receive at least a portionof the first lock; and wherein the second opening of the second flangeis configured such that disposing first lock at least partially in thesecond opening allows the first lock to contact the bracket and inhibitthe handle from moving to the first position; and a locking membercoupled to the bracket; wherein the locking member comprises a springloaded latch capable of receiving at least a portion of the handle; andwherein the spring loaded latch is capable of releasing the handle toallow the handle to move to the first position; and wherein when theattractive component of the handle and the electromagnet of the bracketare coupled, the valve is disposed in the open position; and whereinwhen power is removed from the electromagnet, the spring of the valvecauses the handle to rotate to the second position and close the valve;and wherein the spring loaded latch is configured to move to receive thehandle when the spring of the valve rotates the handle to the secondposition due to the release of the attractive member of the handle bythe electromagnet and then by force of the spring of the spring loadlatch receive and inhibit movement of the handle.
 2. The electronicactuator of claim 1 wherein the attractive component comprisesferromagnetic material.
 3. The electronic actuator of claim 1 whereinthe electronic actuator is coupled to the valve of an anhydrous ammonianurse tank.
 4. The electronic actuator of claim 1 wherein the valvecomprises an excess flow valve.
 5. The electronic actuator of claim 1wherein the electronic actuator is coupled to the valve of an anhydrousammonia storage tank.
 6. The electronic actuator of claim 1 furthercomprising a switch coupled to the electromagnet, wherein the switchcomprises: an on position that allows power to be provided from theelectrical source to the electromagnet to allow the electromagnet to bemagnetic; and an off position that inhibits power from the electricalsource to be provided to the electromagnet and allows the electromagnetto be non-magnetic.
 7. The electronic actuator of claim 1 furthercomprising a gripper extending from the stem of the handle; and whereinthe stem is configured to receive the gripper on the first side or thesecond side of the stem.
 8. An electronic actuator coupleable to ananhydrous ammonia valve to shut off flow to the valve, the electronicactuator comprising: a bracket coupleable to the valve, wherein thebracket comprises: a first attractive member extending in a firstdirection away from a body of the bracket; a handle, wherein the handlecomprises: a connection portion pivotably coupleable to the valve;wherein the handle is rotatable from a first position in which the valveis disposed in one of the open positions to a second position in whichthe valve is disposed in the closed position, and wherein a spring ofthe valve is extended when the handle opens the valve and wherein thehandle comprises: a stem extending from the connection portion of thehandle; wherein the stem comprises a first end proximate the connectionportion of the handle and a second opposing end; wherein the stemcomprises: a first side proximate the bracket; a second opposing side;and a third side disposed between the first side and the second side; asecond attractive component extending from the second side of the stemof the handle; wherein the second attractive component is disposedbetween the first end and the second end of the stem; and a first flangeextending from the third side and disposed between the first end and thesecond end of the stem; and wherein the first flange has a length suchthat when the handle is disposed in the first position, the first flangeat least partially extends beyond the body of the bracket; and whereinthe first flange comprises a first opening disposed through the firstflange; and wherein the first opening is configured to receive the atleast a portion of a first lock; and wherein the first opening of thefirst flange of the bracket is configured such that disposing a firstlock at least partially in the first opening allows the first lock tocontact the bracket and inhibit the handle from moving to the firstposition; and wherein at least one of the first attractive component orthe second attractive component comprises an electromagnet, and whereinthe electromagnet is coupled to an electrical source such that theelectromagnet is magnetic when power is delivered from the electricalsource to the electromagnet; and wherein when power is provided to theelectromagnet, the second attractive component of the handle and thefirst attractive of the bracket are coupled and the valve is disposed inthe open position; and wherein when the the second attractive componentcouples with the first attractive component of the bracket closure ofthe valve is inhibited; and wherein when power is removed from theelectromagnet, the second attractive component of the handle and thefirst attractive component of the bracket are uncoupled, and a spring ofthe valve causes the handle to rotate to the second position and closethe valve.
 9. The electronic actuator of claim 8 further comprising anadditional flange extending away from the body of the bracket such thatthe additional flange and the first attractive component are notdisposed on the same side of the bracket; wherein the additional flangecomprises a second opening capable of receiving at least a portion ofthe first lock; and wherein the second opening of the additional flangeof the bracket is configured such that disposing the first lock at leastpartially in the second opening does not inhibit movement of the handle.10. The electronic actuator of claim 8 further comprising a gripperextending from the stem of the handle; and wherein the stem isconfigured to receive the gripper on the first side or the second sideof the stem.
 11. The electronic actuator of claim 8 further comprising aswitch coupled to the electromagnet, wherein the switch comprises: an onposition that allows power to be provided from the electrical source tothe electromagnet to allow the electromagnet to be magnetic; and an offposition that inhibits power from the electrical source to be providedto the electromagnet and allows the electromagnet to be non-magnetic.12. The electronic actuator of claim 11 wherein the switch is remote tothe valve and electronic actuator.
 13. The electronic actuator of claim8 wherein the valve is closed prior to the handle fully rotating to thesecond position from the first position.
 14. The electronic actuator ofclaim 8 wherein at least one of the first attractive component or thesecond attractive component comprises ferromagnetic material.
 15. Theelectronic actuator of claim 8 further comprising a locking membercoupled to the bracket, wherein the locking member comprises a springloaded latch capable of inhibiting release of a handle received by thespring loaded latch, and wherein the spring loaded latch is capable ofreleasing the handle to allow the handle to move to the first position,and wherein the spring loaded latch is configured to move to receive thehandle when the spring of the valve moves the handle to the secondposition due to the release of the attractive member of the handle bythe electromagnet and then by force of the spring of the spring loadlatch receive and inhibit movement of the handle.
 16. The electronicactuator of claim 8 wherein the electronic actuator is coupled to thevalve of an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank.
 17. A method of operating anurse tank valve of an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank, the methodcomprising: removing power from an electromagnet of an electronicactuator such that the electromagnet and the attractive member areuncoupled, wherein the electronic actuator comprises: a bracket coupledto the valve, wherein the bracket comprises: an electromagnet extendingin a first direction away from a body of the bracket; a handle, whereinthe handle comprises: a connection portion pivotably coupleable to thevalve; wherein the handle is rotatable from a first position in whichthe valve is disposed in one of the open positions to a second positionin which the valve is disposed in the closed position, and wherein aspring of the valve is extended when the handle opens the valve andwherein the handle comprises: a stem extending from the connectionportion of the handle; wherein the stem comprises a first end proximatethe connection portion of the handle and a second opposing end; whereinthe stem comprises: a first side proximate the bracket; a secondopposing side; and a third side disposed between the first side and thesecond side; an attractive component extending from the second side ofthe stem of the handle; wherein the attractive component is disposedbetween the first end and the second end of the stem; allowing thehandle of the electronic actuator to rotate from the first position tothe second position once the electromagnet and the attractive componentare uncoupled, wherein uncoupling the electromagnet and the attractivecomponent removes the force extending the spring of the valve and causesthe spring of the valve rotate the handle by acting on a connectionmember of the valve that is coupled to the handle; and locking the valveassembly by disposing a lock at least partially in a first openingdisposed through a first flange of the electronic actuator, wherein thefirst flange extends from a third side of the stem and is disposedbetween the first end and the second end of the stem; and wherein thefirst flange has a length such that when the handle is disposed in thefirst position, the first flange at least partially extends beyond thebody of the bracket; and wherein the first opening of the first flangeof the bracket is configured such that disposing a first lock at leastpartially in the first opening allows the first lock to contact thebracket and inhibit the handle from moving to the first position. 18.The method of claim 17 wherein allowing the handle of the electronicactuator to rotate from the first position to the second positionfurther comprises: allowing a latch of a spring loaded locking member torotate in a first direction to allow the handle to move to the secondposition, wherein a force exerted by the spring of the valve moves thehandle to contact the latch and cause the rotation in the firstdirection; and automatically rotating the latch in a second opposingdirection once the handle is in the first position via a spring of thespring load locking member; wherein the latch is configured to receivethe handle and inhibit movement of the handle from the second position.19. The method of claim 17 further comprising: releasing a handle of anelectronic actuator from a spring loaded locking member by rotating thelocking member, wherein the electronic actuator is coupled to a valve ofan anhydrous ammonia nurse tank; rotating the handle of the electronicactuator to first position from a second position, wherein when thehandle is in the first position the valve is open, and wherein the valveis closed when the handle is in the second position; providing power toan electromagnet of the electronic actuator such that the electromagnetcouples with the attractive member of the electronic actuator, whereinthe coupling of the electromagnet and the attractive member of theelectronic actuator inhibits rotation of the handle and closure of thevalve.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: disposing thefirst lock in a resting position in the electronic actuator, wherein theelectronic actuator further comprises an additional flange extendingaway from the body of the bracket such that the additional flange andthe first attractive component are not disposed on the same side of thebracket; wherein the additional flange comprises a second openingcapable of receiving at least a portion of the first lock; and whereindisposing the first lock at least partially in the second opening of theadditional flange of the bracket does not inhibit movement of thehandle.